We are pleased
to announce the twelfth in our series of meetings on rare diseases, which will present
an exciting blend of genomic science and clinical medicine. This meeting will explore
how cutting-edge genomic research translates into clinical care and informs our
understanding of the biology of rare disease.

The conference features the latest findings related to the genomic basis of rare diseases, providing
powerful insights into human biology, disease mechanisms and therapeutic
approaches. As genomic sequencing becomes more available in the hospital
setting, we also examine the opportunities and challenges for clinical
practice.

This
year’s programme will focus on the lessons learned from large-scale whole genome
sequencing studies and discuss the new multiomic and single cell technologies
that are having an impact on our understanding of rare diseases. There will also
be the opportunity for bioinformaticians working in this area to showcase the
innovative tools that they have developed. We will also include sessions on the legal and
ethical issues around sharing patient data and explore the new therapeutic
approaches to rare diseases.

This
conference provides an excellent multi-disciplinary forum for clinicians
(consultants and trainees), research and clinical scientists, bioinformaticians
and technology developers interested in understanding the impact of recent
advances in genomics and technology on the care of patients with rare diseases.

The conference will start at approximately 12.30 on Monday, 26 March and close at approximately 16.00 on Wednesday 28 March 2018.

The registration fee includes entrance to the lectures and poster sessions, an abstract book, meals (lunch and dinner) and refreshments during the conference. Breakfast will be provided for delegates who have booked accommodation.

*Owing to space constraints, the early-bird discount rate is limited to 100 delegates.

AccommodationAccommodation is provided for the nights of 26 and 27 March 2018. Please note: there is limited onsite accommodation and this will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, early registration is recommended.

If you wish to book onsite accommodation either side of the conference dates, please contact the Conference Centre directly.

Travel visasContact the conference organiser if you require a letter to support a travel visa application. Please note: letters will only be provided to confirmed registrants.

Non-European Economic Area or Swiss nationals may be required to have a visa to enter the UK. Early application is strongly advised, as this process can take 6-8 weeks or longer.

We welcome abstracts from all areas relevant to the main themes of the meeting, for both oral and poster presentations. Several oral presentations will be chosen from the abstracts submitted.

Abstracts will only be considered from registered delegates. Please use our online abstract submission system and follow the instructions given to ensure your abstract is submitted correctly. All abstracts must be submitted by the deadline. If you are intending to submit more than one abstract, please contact the conference organiser prior to registration.

The scientific programme committee will assess your abstract after the deadline has passed and you will be notified whether you have been selected for an oral or poster presentation.

Poster boards onsite will accommodate 118 cm high by 84 cm wide (A0- portrait) of printed material. Accepted abstracts will appear in the conference programme book and poster boards will be allocated at the conference.